THE WORLD IS BUZZING ABOUT IT
In the heart of Herzegovina, beneath the limestone of Mount Velež, lies Mostar. A city that global media always depict in superlatives, calling it “one of the most desirable cities in Europe”, “the best wine city”, “the most romantic city in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, and “the city with the most incredible bridge in Europe”. As the cherry on top, the globally renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has included Mostar in the list of the best cities to visit in 2024.
Enhad Goralija
What You Need to See in the City on the Neretva River?
Mostar is adorned with vibrant streets, stone houses, old cobblestone paths, and a unique view of the emerald river with the most beautiful bridge. The Old Bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture that blends Eastern, Mediterranean, and European styles, was built in 1566. After its reconstruction from ruins, largely using the original stone, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of protected world heritage in 2005, as a symbol of reconciliation, cooperation, and coexistence of different cultures and religions. Next to the bridge is the eponymous museum, and nearby is the Kriva Ćuprija (Crooked Bridge) which resembles it, but is smaller and a few years older.
Emira Azganović
Every summer, a traditional diving competition takes place here, as well as the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition featuring the best and most extreme world athletes. If you also wish to feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins, descend on a zip line with a view of the bridge or ride a boat on the Neretva River to experience the city from a completely different perspective!
Should you opt for a quieter option, you won’t regret getting lost in the streets of the old town, peeking into Bišćević’s Corner, or visiting the Muslibegović House, one of the most beautiful Ottoman-style houses in the entire Balkans.
Just a kilometer and a half from the Old Bridge is one of the four Bosnian-Herzegovinian cathedrals: the Cathedral of Mary. Numerous places of worship, including Orthodox and Catholic churches, as well as mosques, speak to the coexistence of people from the three monotheistic religions. Koski Mehmed-pasha Mosque, in addition to being an exquisite example of Islamic architecture, provides access to the most beautiful view of Mostar — from its minaret.
For Big and Small Adventures
Amidst a plethora of superlatives, Mostar also stands out as one of the top destinations for adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. The Podvelež Plateau, Podveležje, with the hill and the Sports and Adventure Park Fortica, is a must-visit spot for both locals and foreigners. The glass observation deck constructed on Fortica, with a 35-meter-long and 15-meter-high promenade, found its place on the list of the 11 most beautiful skywalks in the world, according to the prestigious magazine Architectural Digest. Below the promenade, hanging over the abyss, you’ll find the largest swing in our country — a truly otherworldly experience that should not be missed.
Zorana Krleta
The focal point of Fortica is the zipline, stretching nearly a kilometer (two cables of 600 and 400 meters). The starting point is in front of the mountain lodge, made from an old and collapsed Italian bunker from World War II, and it ends on the steep rocks of the Stolac sports climbing area, where 13 climbing routes are marked. In addition to the large zipline, there is also a children’s zipline, 100 meters long, and a baby zipline, 20 meters long. For an extra dose of adrenaline, it is possible to abseil down a 25-meter-high cliff.
Emira Azganović
In Goranci Park, beneath the Čabulja Mountain, you can enjoy well-maintained walkways, sports fields, hiking trails, and the company of domestic animals. During winter, Rujište offers skiing opportunities, and on the Bile Plateau, witness a hundred wild horses under the open sky. In the summer, when the heat is scorching, seek refuge on the beaches of Mostar Lake or the Neretva, Radobolja, Buna, Bunica, and Drežanka rivers.
Global Alpine Destination
Above Mostar towers the Mountain Velež, with its highest peak Botin (1,969 meters). The Heart of Velež project has positioned it as a global alpine destination. It stands as one of the most recognizable and largest in the entire Southeastern Europe region, with prestigious climbing names etched in golden letters. On its cliffs, you’ll find one of the most challenging via ferrata routes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a perilous endeavor for those lacking alpine experience.
Enhad Goralija
On Velež, there is almost no water. Springs emerge at its foothills, among them one of the most beautiful in our country — the spring of the Buna River in Blagaj.
Find this QR code on the location:
